April 20 (UPI) — On Monday, officials confirmed that the triathlete who died during the swim leg of last weekend’s Ironman Texas Triathlon was a 38-year-old Brazilian.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said Mara Flavia Souza Araujo was the athlete who died Saturday in The Woodlands, north of Houston.
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The triathlon begins with a swim in North Shore Park’s 2.4-mile lake, where the average freshwater temperature remains at 74 degrees, and participants are told to “be prepared to swim with or without a wetsuit,” according to the event website.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Saturday that the drowning occurred during the game.
The Woodlands Fire Department conducted a rescue operation, but after it was determined the athlete was deceased, the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit launched an investigation into the drowning.
Ironman also confirmed the death on its Facebook page on Saturday.
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“We are sad to confirm that a competitor died during the swim portion of today’s IRONMAN Texas Triathlon,” the statement said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the athlete’s family and friends and will provide support to them as they navigate this very difficult time.”
